Filing For Unemployment In Texas Due To Coronavirus

The global economy is continuing to suffer the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While hypervigilance is a necessary reaction to mitigate the spread, the closure and restrictions on businesses have created an enormous wave of jobs being lost.

The Texas Workforce Commission website has a section for employers and job seekers to help navigate information related to the pandemic. Unfortunately, the website makes very clear that federal and local government have "not changed any laws or rules concerning unemployment benefits during the pandemic. However, Department of Labor guidance provides that federal law permits significant flexibility for states to provide Unemployment Insurance (UI) services related to COVID-19. Based on this, TWC will be waiving work search requirements for all claimants and the waiting week for those claimants affected by COVID-19. Also, Extended Benefits (EB) and Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) are NOT available at this time." 

Texas Workforce Commission will still determine benefit eligibility based on past wages, why the job position was lost and ongoing eligibility requirements. If you were laid off or terminated prior to the COVID-19 disaster declaration other eligibility requirements may be a factor for unemployment claims.

If you or someone you know has lost a job due to the pandemic and would like more information about filing for unemployment benefits, click here.